5 places Obama might have gone

President Barack Obama relishes his Martha’s Vineyard vacations, but America is replete with holiday destinations — some more politically suited to tough economic times.

Obama’s critics say he should cancel the trip he begins on Thursday, noting that 14 million people are out of work. Even some allies suggest he should relax among the masses instead of choosing the posh island for the third time in three years.

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“The president should be where ordinary Americans go,” said Doug Schoen, a Democratic consultant who advised former President Bill Clinton.

So why not hit Virginia Beach or the Grand Canyon? Or Niagara Falls? POLITICO asked more than a half-dozen political strategists, academics and former White House aides to recommend five vacation spots where the first family could have minimized criticism and still enjoyed some R-and-R.

Sheboygan, Wis.

Obama could highlight a relative success story with a trip to the Badger State, where unemployment is at 7.6 percent — below the national average of 9.1 percent.

His presence could also buoy the spirits of disheartened Democrats after a series of recall votes for state legislators left the Senate under GOP control.

“Wisconsin Democrats need him now more than ever,” said Andrew Welhouse, who is communications director for Republican state Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald and is from Sheboygan.

Sheboygan is known for its golfing, one of Obama’s favorite pastimes.

“We’ve got some of the best golf courses in the country,” Welhouse said. “And you can’t beat the surfing capitol of the Midwest.”

Obama also could spend time in the Democratic-leaning, working-class town, which is the self-proclaimed “Bratwurst Capital of the World.” The president loves his local cuisines, and The Charcoal Inn is known for its tasty brats.

“Connecting with those down-home folks would really benefit him,” said Brian Sikma, communications director for Media Trackers, a Wisconsin media watchdog group. “Maybe he could help bring back some labor jobs. If [Obama’s campaign team] can’t carry Wisconsin, they’ll be in trouble in states like Indiana.”

Democratic strategist Karen Finney said Sheboygan is “a place that could greatly benefit from the publicity and financial infusion of a presidential visit.”

But fear not, Malia and Sasha: It’s the perfect mix of business and pleasure.

“It’s beautiful, and has lots to do for families,” Finney said, including the Above & Beyond Children’s Museum, the Bookworm Gardens and a lake-surfing competition.

Mackinac Island, Mich.

It’s got the feel of a resort town, minus the haughty vibe.

This laid-back island, located between the state’s upper and lower peninsulas, is considered one of the local crown jewels.

It’s something “Michiganders are really proud of,” said Anita McBride, who was chief of staff to former first lady Laura Bush and vacations in Michigan every summer. “It’s just real Americana, very simple and a very different slice of life than Martha’s Vineyard.”

McBride said Obama could easily day trip to some of the many August state fairs and festivals. “For a politician, [the fairs] are a really good work-the-crowd kind of event” and a chance to “talk to regular people. The weather is so bad here most of the year, so in the summer everyone’s out. It’s a good time to get a real feel for what’s on the minds of the locals.”